Kristen Fleming holds a Master of Science in Nutrition. Over her 8 years of experience in dietetics, she has made significant contributions in clinical, community, and editorial settings. With 2 years as a clinical dietitian in an inpatient setting, 2 years in community health education, and 4 years of editorial experience focusing on nutrition and health-related content, Kristen's expertise is multifaceted.
A juicy hamburger is one of those quintessential American foods that almost everyone loves. Especially at a summer barbecue, it’s hard to beat the combination of a perfectly cooked patty, melted cheese, and all the fixings. But for those on a ketogenic diet, traditional hamburgers can be off limits due to their high carb content.
If that ID’s you, coming across a comprehensive guide on making keto-friendly hamburgers would be a godsend. Want a dough-y bun? No problem, you can make one that won’t take you out of ketosis. Want to top your burger with all the classic fixings? Got it covered. Even a bacon-wrapped version is just one recipe away!
What Goes in a Keto Hamburger?
First things first, let’s discuss keto-friendly hamburger ingredients. You want to steer clear of traditional hamburger buns and opt for something low-carb, like a lettuce wrap or cloud bread. You also need to ditch the traditional condiments like ketchup in favor of something with fewer carbs, such as mayonnaise or avocado.
And then there’s the all-important burger patty. Ground beef is still on the menu here, but you want to look for leaner cuts that are 90% ground beef or higher and that only contain beef (no fillers!).
And don’t forget about adding extra fats like cheese, bacon, avocados, and eggs to your burgers — they’ll add flavor AND keep you satisfied longer.
How to Make Keto Hamburger Buns
The easiest option for you as far as keto hamburger buns is buying a pre-made low-carb variety, but if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try your hand at baking, that’s an option too. Below are three of our favorite recipes for making keto-friendly hamburger buns, each with their own unique flavor.
A combination of low-carb flour, almond meal, and mozzarella cheese make for a delicious bun that won’t ruin your macros. Think of this as a close cousin to cloud bread (the difference is that this one contains almond meal, which makes it have more of a traditional “bready” flavor).
A great option for those who don’t like the idea of a bun, lettuce wraps are low-carb and delicious. Bunless burgers can be made with any kind of lettuce — iceberg, butter, or romaine all work well. Simply wash, pat dry, and tear into pieces that are large enough to wrap around the burger.
How to Make Keto Hamburger Patties
The burger patty is the star of any hamburger, so it’s important to get it right. We recommend using at least 90% lean ground beef, but you can also experiment with other meats like turkey, chicken, or pork. For added flavor and texture, try adding chopped onions, garlic, mushrooms, bell peppers and/or spices.
Thankfully there’s not much to worry about when it comes to the carb count — ground beef is naturally low in carbs, so you don’t need to worry about cutting back or substituting ingredients. The only thing you need to watch out for is added ingredients like breadcrumbs, especially if you’re using a pre-made mix.
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with any desired seasonings and vegetables.
Using your hands, mix to combine thoroughly.
Divide the meat into 4-6 equal portions (depending on desired size) and form into patties.
Heat a large skillet or grill over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired doneness.
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Which Toppings To Use for a Keto-Friendly Burger?
When it comes to topping your burger, the sky’s the limit. To stay keto-friendly, go for:
Your favorite cheeses: All cheese is low in carbs and high in fat, making it a perfect topping for burgers. Choose from cheddar, Swiss, gouda or blue cheese.
Avocado: One of the most keto-friendly foods, avocados are rich in healthy fats and fiber (1). Plus they add a delicious creaminess to any burger.
Bacon: Bacon is low in carbs and adds a smoky, salty flavor that perfectly complements a juicy burger.
Pickled vegetables: From pickles to jalapeños, these acidic toppings are a flavorful way to add crunch — without the carbs. Beware that some store-bought pickles may have added sugar, so check the label before you buy. Making yours at home is a great option!
Sauces: For those who can’t eat their burger without a sauce, go for homemade mayo, pesto or a keto-friendly BBQ sauce. Store-bought varieties usually have added sugar so make sure to read thecarefully. Try making your own with a few simple ingredients.
Now that you have all the information you need to make keto-friendly burgers, it’s time to get cooking! With the recipes and tips included in this guide, you can make delicious low-carb burgers that will satisfy even the biggest burger cravings.
But if you need some extra inspiration, feel free to explore the recipes below:
Bacon and cheese are two of the tastiest ingredients out there, so why not combine them in a low-carb burger? This bacon cheeseburger is the perfect way to get your burger fix without all the carbs.
Making low-carb hamburgers is a great way to enjoy a delicious meal without all of the carbs. From classic burgers to more creative variations, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a juicy burger that won’t wreck your diet. Next time you’re in the mood for a burger, try one of these delicious low-carb recipes!
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